Seeds From Italy

Some of you may know, one of my other hobbies is growing things. It doesn't really matter what, so it would stand to reason that after digging thorough lots of hardware stores in Italy. I would have to find a local source for those seeds from Italy. As every gardener knows it is the gentics that provide the taste we all crave in our cooking I personally have purchased a batch of seeds this year and will post stories and insights as I try and adapt my seeds from Italy to the Northern Virginia heat and humidity.
So..

I would like introduce to you "Seeds from Italy". They are the U.S. mail order distributor for Franchi Sementi spa of Bergamo, Italy, Italian seedsmen since 1783. Their Italian Vegetable seeds are traditional Italian varieties, chosen by discriminating Italian cooks over the years.

Offering more than 350 varieties of traditional Italian vegetable, herb & flower seeds.
They also have detailed instructions & tips on how to grow Italian vegetables and, Italian recipes and tips on how to cook our vegetables the Italian way.
The 2008 Catalog is available on line. You can download it & the cover which has all the pictures of the seed varieties. Just click here: 2009 Catalog. It is in adobe format so you need an adobe reader to view it.

He also publishs a quarterly newsletter filled with growing tips, trial garden results, recipes, new items, etc.
Visit the Newsletter here: Newsletters
To subscribe to Growitalian News, click here: Subscribe
There are more than 20 new varieties including peppers, tomatoes, escarole, zucchini, beans & cardoon.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Mail: Seeds from Italy, PO Box 149, Winchester, MA 01890 Email: seeds@growitalian.com or bmckay@growitalian.com TEL: 781 721 5904 FAX: 612 435 4020

Venice For Carnival

This offer came in the other day and I have to say the Carnival and Venice are made for each other. If you can make it, this would be a wonderful Valentines present for anyone.

Escape to the fabulous city of Venice, where you can join the magic of its Carnival. You can visit a historical Venetian atelier of Carnival costumes and masks and take part to a guided tour through Venice squares and alleys, walking together with 18th century dames and noblemen, goblins, pierrots and harlequins.The charm of Boscolo Dei Dogi, will welcome you offering a special promotion for this event.

The offer, valid from 13 to 24 February, includes all taxes and the following benefits:
2 nights per 2 persons;
breakfast 2 Dinners at hotel’s restaurant Giardino di Luca (3 courses, drinks not included)
Venice guided tour (2 hours) with pick up at the hotel
visit of a historical Venetian atelier of Carnival costumes and masks
complimentary extra-bed for child under the age of 12 sharing the room with their parents. Discount of 50% offered to children under the age of 12 for meals at the hotel’s restaurant.
Rates starting from 673,00 euros at current Euro rae of 1.3 that is $875.00 For 2 nights in Boscolo Experience room, all benefits included
Information and booking:Boscolo Dei Dogi - reservations@boscolo.com

Their website takes a while to load but it is like a breath of Italy in your screen.

http://mailing.blastness.com/rd.htm?ik=20707&ic=53&iu=3083

La Segreta Villa Rental- Umbria

Your Own Private Villa in Umbria, Italy:

Looking for a special place to celebrate your birthday or anniversary with family or a close group of friends? Then consider Bike Riders' exclusive Villa La Segreta, a newly restored luxury villa outside of Todi, Italy. Set on 70 acres of green Umbrian countryside, the historic stone villa is a wonderful blend of old and new. Terracotta floors, high oak beams, wrought iron chandeliers and large stone fireplaces are balanced with modern luxuries such as air conditioning, washer/dryer, flat screen television and a beautiful infinity pool. Perfect for up to 8 people, the property is close to the villages of Todi, Deruta, Assisi, Montefalco and Perugia. Walking trails, biking and golfing are all nearby. Set in a nature reserve amidst olive groves, chestnut trees and cypress-lined lanes, we invite you to see more by visiting http://www.lasegreta.com/ or contact Eileen at eileen@bikeriderstours.com for details and availability.

During our stay we enjoyed the market at Marsciano, the largest town near the villa has a market on Monday mornings. Markets are in the mornings only. They start winding down by 12 noon and an earlier visit is better! Cooking lessons in Perugia, for the ladies while the men played golf.

Allow about 2 hours to the villa from Rome. Orvieto is a nice stop en route for lunch...it is about 1 hour North of Rome. You might like to visit the town and have lunch, and then drive another hour to the house. Graziano the caretaker will have the house open and show you how things work. He will also review the telephone and electric meters with you--at the end of the stay he will do the same and note your consumption--this amount will be deducted from your security deposit.

Graziano is a dear friend of the owners and is also in charge of the running of the property. You will see him on the tractor or in the fields and he will bring Nela to the house for the housekeeping. He will be happy to assit you with any questions in regard to the house or pool.

We reccomend you order the dinner they offer for an additional charge to be delivered to the house on Saturday evening. They also provided a welcome basket with essentials--milk, jam, crackers, water, coffee, etc. If you prefer to stop before the house, you can stop at "Andreani" in the village of Collepepe (see driving directions ---but they do not open until after 5:00 pm.) BUT, Andreani is also open again on Sunday morning until noon--there is also a pasta shop in Collepepe that is open on Sunday morning.

The villa has a complete water filtering system installed. The water is perfectly fine for bathing, cooking and brushing your teeth. We still prefer the taste and quality of bottled water for consumption. There will be some flat and sparkling water at the house--if you think you need a lot you can always pick up more at the "AutoGrill" shops on the highway, or at Andreani.

If you want to use the pizza oven please just explain to Graziano--he can help...you need to allow a couple of hours for the wood to burn and to heat the oven up before you can use it. Also, please be sure that the fire is safely extinguished by the end of the night.

(FYI, there is also a Weber charcoal grill and a great farm store nearby that sells it's own Florentine steaks, sausages, veal ,etc--they are open Wed-Sunday))

Upon arrival, there is a book of information at the villa, plus a welcome basket...we supply basics to get you started such as milk, juice, water, coffee and fruit, as well as paper towels and toilet paper. These are enough to get you through the night and for breakfast the next morning. Andreani is a very nice small market in Collepepe that is open on Sundays until 12 noon. They have all staples, plus a nice selection of cheeses, salumi and wine. You might like to run down to this store on Sunday am ...

On Monday, the A&O Supermarket is open in Deruta..This is a larger market and a good choice for re-stocking your paper towels/napkins/toilet paper and also has a large selection of foodstuffs.

Foti's Restaurant Culpeper, Va

If you're ready for a new fine-dining experience, it's time to visit Foti's Restaurant in Culpeper, Virginia. The superb service, delicate flavors, and extraordinary wines rival those of the finest restaurants in the Washington, D.C., area. Indeed, owners Frank and Sue Maragos refined their talents at the world-famous Inn at Little Washington prior to opening Foti's in 2005. Yet the friendly atmosphere and small-town hospitality are uniquely Foti's, which is why the establishment bears Frank's childhood nickname. "It's like we're family, like we've known each other forever," he says.An hour's drive from Fairfax to rural Culpeper carries you to a world where fresh, all-natural produce are as close as next door. Whether you're seeking a casual lunch or an elegant evening, it's worth the trip!In season, Foti's menu revolves around the finest local products, including grass-fed beef and lamb, handmade cheeses, and heirloom vegetables and herbs. Or if you prefer, seafood barely a day out of the water arrives by air three times a week. Savor tuna from Hawaii, salmon from Alaska, lobster from Maine, or sea scallops from Massachusetts.Chef Maragos says guests often ask for his secret to the restaurant's delectable dishes. "Mother Nature makes the flavor," he answers. "We just take care of it and bring it to you."So enjoy an evening drive down scenic country roads. Or, better yet, make a day of it and explore Culpeper and all that Virginia's Piedmont has to offer. Whenever you're ready, settle down at Foti's for an enchanting meal that combines all-natural ingredients, delightful presentations, outstanding wines, impeccable service, and the leisure to enjoy it all. What you'll experience is pure magic.

Foti's Restaurant - 219 East Davis Street - Culpeper - Virginia

For reservations call 540/829-8400

http://www.fotisrestaurant.com/index.cfm

Folanos Market Cooking Classes

From time to time, I will try to feature local business that continue the spirit of Italian food even if they branch out to other types of cuisine. I had the pleasure the other day of enjoying one of these local shops, at Folanos Market in The Plains, VA. Nick and his Wife Molly not only serve great food but feature excellant cooking classes and feature local foods and produce.

Forlano’s Market is a deli, butcher, and bakery with a focus on locally raised meats, produce and cheese. Chef and owner Nick Forlano supports area farmers where possible, providing a high-quality, hormone-free alternative to the factory-farmed poultry, beef, and pork found in large grocery stores. Nick believes that buying locally spares the environment, supports family farms, strengthens the local economy, and protects open space and farmland.

The 2001 recipient of an impressive Zagat Survey rating of 25 (out of a possible 30) for his outstanding menu, Nick takes pride in offering only the finest products at Forlano’s Market: homemade bread baked daily; a butcher case featuring locally raised corn-finished Angus, free-range poultry, and handcrafted charcuterie; an array of sandwiches made to order, daily soups, and gourmet takeout meals.

Forlano’s Market has a well-edited selection of food-friendly wines and boutique beers from around the world, and we’re more than happy to help you pair your selection with any menu.
Gourmet catering for up to 45 guests is available for such occasions as point-to-points, the Gold Cup races, and picnics. Nick also gives cooking instruction on an array of topics such as pizza making, bread making, and regional Italian specialties.

I have included a little bit about them and their current cooking class schedule below.

A native of Queens, New York, chef Nick Forlano was born into a family of restaurateurs. His mother owned a popular American-style restaurant in Delaware called the Eagle’s Nest, and Nick felt the pull of the kitchen early on. At 14 he became a dishwasher, after which he worked his way around the kitchen, quickly developing proficiency in prep work, line cooking, menu development, and meat and fish preparation.

At 24, after five years in the Air Force, Nick enrolled at the Restaurant School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1997. He took his first executive chef position in 1999 at The Gables, a contemporary fusion restaurant in southeastern Pennsylvania, stepping into the shoes of his mentor, chef Mark Eastman.

While at The Gables, Nick meet Molly who later became his wife. Molly is a graduate of the hotel and restaurant curriculum at Sullivan University in Louisville. She majored in professional catering, culinary arts, and hotel-restaurant management.

In 2000 Nick moved with Molly to Middleburg, Virginia, where he became chef of the Ashby Inn, a boutique bed-and-breakfast. With Nick at the helm the Ashby Inn was awarded a prestigious 25 (out of a possible 30) from the Zagat survey for its outstanding menu.

Molly, an avid foxhunter and steeplechase rider, became manager and sommelier at the Lightfoot, an eclectic fine-dining restaurant in Leesburg. She earned the Lightfoot its first Wine Spectator award with her skillfully compiled and globally diverse wine list. Molly and Nick were married in 2004 and now live in Warrenton with their daughter, Lauren.

An epicurean venture that taps into years of combined culinary expertise, Forlano’s Market, with its hearth-baked breads, culinary instruction and catering, is the realization of a lifelong dream.

Cooking classes are small, hands on if you wish or just watch if you like.

January - March 2009 Cooking Class Schedule

Please call early to reserve - they sell out fast! $75 per person, per class. $65 per class for a set of three classes. Prepayment is required to reserve a seat. Price includes recipes, and a taste of wine to those over 21 years of age. Classes are participation and demonstration, and we always eat what we make! All Classes Start at 6:30 pm, and usually go until 9 or 9:30pm.540- 253-5456 or e-mail at info@folanosmarket.com
In order to properly plan for food and accommodate all our guests’ needs, a 72 HOUR CANCELLATION OR CLASS SWAP POLICY APPLIES. We will do our best to accommodate your requests to move to a different class but cannot make guarantees as most of our classes sell out. Thank you.
Tue. January 20th - Pizza Making your own homemade dough and pizza
Tue. January 27th - Super Bowl Stromboli and Finger Foods for the big game
Tue. February 3rd - Duck Class Handling, preparation, confit and entrees
Tue. February 10th - Valentine’s Day Wine, chocolate, oysters and more…
Tue. February 17th - Vietnamese Calamari, dipping sauces, pork belly
Tue. February 24th - Beef Stew and Potato Dumplings Warm food for cold days!
Tue. March 3rd - Healthy Cooking Cous cous and vegetarian dishes

Book a private party today!

Molly M. K. Forlano
Forlano's Market
540.253.5456
cell 540.905.2931
6483 Main Street
The Plains, Virginia 20198
www.forlanosmarket.com

Limoncello

1) 1 gallon of the very best plain vodka you can afford.
2) Zest of 8 lemons. Use a vegetable peeler.

Add the zest to the vodka and let it rest in a dark place for 4 weeks, after 4 weeks shake well and let rest for 4 more weeks.
3) Make simple syrup by mixing 3 cups sugar with 3 cups of water. Dissolve the sugar in the water and bring to boil for 1-minute stir constantly to keep from burning.
4) Let the simple syrup cool.
5) Remove the lemon zest from the vodka and discard.
6) Add the simple syrup to the lemon flavoured vodka and let rest for ten more days.
7) Chill in the freezer before serving.

Wedding Favors

Just released wedding favors, now available in any pattern. Choose your favorite pattern, the shape you desire and we can do the rest. None of your friends will have these at their wedding be the first. Prices range from $12.00 to $15.00 per piece Contact us for a quote and ordering times.
barbara@latavolabella.com